In difficult and desperate cases, the boldest counsels are the safest.

A certain peace is better and safer than a victory in prospect; the former is at your own disposal, the latter depends upon the gods.

We can endure neither our vices nor their cure.

There is nothing man will not attempt when great enterprises hold out the promise of great rewards.

Men's minds are too ready to excuse guilt in themselves.

A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself.

When Tarquin the Proud was asked what was the best mode of governing a conquered city, he replied only by beating down with his staff all the tallest poppies in his garden.